As someone who worked as an intern in the US Embassy in Rome, I can testify that it makes no sense whatsoever to combine the embassy to the Vatican with the embassy to Italy. It's an insult to the Vatican, to the Pope, to Italy - who certainly does not wish it to be assumed that they will follow the Vatican policy on any number of issues - and to Catholics all over the world.

I think that Republican candidates should hit this issue hard. It seems like finally finding the wedge issue that flips the Hispanic vote into the Republican column has been a conservative obsession for ages. Well, this may be it. It can't hurt with blue-collar ethnic Catholics, either - although I can't imagine a shift in those voters' allegiance could possibly make any difference in any states besides Ohio and Pennsylvania. I'd love to hear what Barone has to say about this.

It seems like finally finding the wedge issue that flips the Hispanic vote into the Republican column has been a conservative obsession for ages. Well, this may be it.

Wish it were true, but sadly I don't see it happening. Of course, there are exceptions. From friend's uncle who is a 93 year old WWII vet to SIL that is more of a right wing redneck than I am, but those are the exception, not the rule.

The rats have it wrapped for some reason, tradition maybe. Don't know why you would vote for someone that does not share your views.